Melissa Donovan
Described as the “Super Bowl of NASCAR,” the Daytona 500 will return to the Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 15 for its 68th year.
Sandwiched between Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day, racecar fans classify The Great American Race as a holiday of its own. Thousands of spectators will join around the 2.5-mile tri-oval track as over 40 drivers zip around at speeds of around 200 mph.
The race is 200 laps, totaling 500 miles, and is split into three stages. The first stage is 65 laps, the second is also 65 and the final stage is 70.
The race is set to start at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, with temperatures predicted to be in the high-70s and a 60 percent chance of rain.
William Byron is a favorite as he won the last two Daytona 500s. Going for three consecutive wins is not only ambitious but also unprecedented, as no driver has ever won three in a row.
Other people to watch include three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, Daniel Suarez and Tyler Reddick.
Country singer Miranda Lambert will be performing in the pre-race concert in the early afternoon before the green flag drops. Alongside her, other celebrities participating in raceday festivities include comedian Nate Bargatze as the Grand Marshal and actor Kurt Russell as the Honorary Pace Car Driver.
Fans are encouraged to arrive at the speedway early, around noon, to avoid heavy traffic and secure a parking spot. Along with sunscreen and a hat, a few other race day essentials include ear protection, the NASCAR mobile app for live timing, and a 14″ x 14″ x 14″ cooler to pack refreshments for hours of racing.
For more information on the Daytona 500 or to purchase tickets, visit the event’s official site.
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